With great honor and enthusiasm, I extend my warmest greetings to each member of our esteemed school family. As the newly appointed principal of Saint Mary of Carmel, I am deeply humbled to join this community of faith, academics, and service.

Our school stands as a beacon of light in the journey of education, guided by the principles of Catholic faith and the pursuit of academic excellence. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are committed to fostering an environment where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.

In the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “God has no hands but yours.” This profound statement summarizes the essence of our mission here at SMC. Each community member is called to be an instrument of God’s love and compassion, using our talents and abilities to make a positive difference in society.

As we embark on this new academic year, I am filled with excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. Let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way together, knowing we can achieve great things with faith and perseverance.

I invite you to connect with us to learn more about the exciting programs, initiatives, and events that make Saint Mary of Carmel an exceptional learning place. Whether you are a current student, parent, faculty member, or prospective family, I encourage you to join us on this journey of discovery, growth, and transformation.

May God’s grace guide us as we work together to fulfill our shared mission of shaping hearts, minds, and souls.

Yours in Christ,

Victor Argueta

Principal

Con honor y entusiasmo, extiendo mis más cálidos saludos a cada miembro de nuestra estimada familia de Santa María del Carmen. Como recién nombrado director de Santa María del Carmen, me siento profundamente honrado de unirme a esta comunidad de fe, conociemientos y servicio.

Nuestra escuela es un faro de luz en el camino de la educación, guiada por los principios de la fe católica y la búsqueda de la excelencia académica. Arraigados en las enseñanzas de Jesucristo, estamos comprometidos a fomentar un entorno donde los estudiantes puedan crecer intelectual, espiritual y emocionalmente.

En palabras de Santa Teresa de Ávila, “Dios no tiene manos excepto las tuyas”. Esta profunda declaración resume la esencia de nuestra misión aquí en SMC. Cada miembro de la comunidad está llamado a ser un instrumento del amor y la compasión de Dios, utilizando nuestros talentos y habilidades para marcar una diferencia positiva en nuestra sociedad.

Al embarcarnos en este nuevo año académico, estoy lleno de entusiasmo por las posibilidades que tenemos por delante. Enfrentemos juntos los desafíos y oportunidades que se nos presenten, sabiendo que podemos lograr grandes cosas con fe y perseverancia.

Los invito a conectarse con nosotros para obtener más información sobre los interesantes programas, iniciativas y eventos que hacen de Santa María del Carmen un lugar de aprendizaje excepcional. Ya sea que sea un estudiante actual, un padre, un miembro del cuerpo docente o una futura familia, lo animo a que se una a nosotros en este viaje de descubrimiento, crecimiento y transformación.

Que la gracia de Dios nos guíe mientras trabajamos juntos para cumplir nuestra misión compartida de moldear corazones, mentes y almas.

En Cristo,

Victor Argueta

Principal

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Hello Saint Mary of Carmel families! I’m Mrs. Mallely, and I’m so happy to be joining your school as the new preschool teacher. I’ve been in early childhood education for seven years; five of those in preschool and it truly brings me so much joy. I love this age because it’s when kids start discovering who they are, and its a joy to be part of those first steps. It’s a time full of wonder, and I enjoy creating hands-on, playful learning experiences that help build confidence and curiosity.I was born and raised in the small coastal town of Salinas, California, and have recently made the big move to Texas to join my husband as we begin our journey as newlyweds. I’ve spent several years working in Catholic education, and when I discovered Saint Mary of Carmel, I knew it was a place that shared my values and passion for faith-based learning.

I’m so excited to get to know you and your children, and I look forward to a wonderful school year together!

Hello St. Mary of Carmel School community! My name is Maria Vega and I am excited and blessed to get the opportunity to serve the catholic school community. I have been in education for over 30 years. I have taught all grades from PK-6th. I taught almost 20 years in Dallas ISD in my Oakcliff community. After teaching for 20 years, I went on to become an Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal and most recently a district State and Federal Intervention Specialist, where I supported and worked with teachers, instructional coaches, interventionists and administrators across the district. Catholic education has a very special place in my heart as my daughter received a catholic school education from 2nd-12th grade. My daughter is a graduate of Bishop Dunne Catholic School. I am looking forward to serving and supporting the St. Mary of Carmel School community!

Hello!

My name is Sarah Garza and I’m excited to be joining St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School for the 2025-2026 school year as a first year teacher. I have been working in education since 2008, first as a substitute teacher at Grand Prairie ISD. Then, I transitioned into the Special Education Department as an Inclusion Aide for Grand

Prairie, working with grade levels kinder through 5th grade. In 2023, I worked in Irving ISD for two years as a Math Instructional Aide working with small groups kinder through 5th grade.

I grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas and graduated from Grand Prairie High School. After high school, I got my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas. Immaculate Conception was the church me and my family attended about 5 minutes from our house in the neighborhood. My mother was a Sunday School Teacher may she rest in peace, and my father sang in the choir. I have great memories from Immaculate, and looking forward to making new memories here at SMC!

What brought me to SMC was my need for a deeper meaning out of my work. I will cherish the memories I had with the students at my previous schools, but joining St. Mary of Carmel I believe, will offer me the opportunity to contribute to a faith-filled environment and be a part of a school with a rich history here in the Dallas area.

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Hello SMC Families,

I am so happy to be your 4th Grade teacher! This year is going to be full of fun, learning, and growing. You’ll learn lots of new skills and make wonderful new memories. I can’t wait!

I absolutely love teaching! I have been teaching for nine years. I graduated in 2015 from the university of Montana Western with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. In 2020. I graduated from

Western Governors University with a Masters of Education in Learning and Technology.

When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, my friends, and my two rescue cats!

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Hello. My name is Grace Alvarez. This year will be my 40 th year of teaching. I am married to a wonderful and understanding man named Pedro. I have 3 children, Michael, Marisela, and Matthew. Since I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a teacher. I am certified as a principal, but my heart has always been with my students. I am originally from Brownwood, Texas. I moved to Dallas 40 years ago. The motto of Saint Mary of Carmel includes attributes that are very important to me: Love-Learn-Strive-Serve-Forgive. Teaching is hard work, but with your help it will be much easier. I give homework, because I want my students to learn. I will work as hard as I expect my students to work. With your help, we will have a very successful year. Thank you so much.

Mr. Murtagh is in his first year of teaching at St. Mary of Carmel, and he is thrilled to be welcomed into the school community as the Middle School English Language Arts Instructor. He was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from San Francisco State University. He is currently living and teaching in Dallas as part of a teaching service program called the Alliance for Catholic Education Teaching Fellows through the University of Notre Dame. Outside of the classroom, he is very passionate about my Catholic faith, distance running, reading, watching sports (especially the 49ers, sorry Cowboys fans!), and music.

Mr. Murtagh deeply values his role as a Catholic school teacher and recognizes his responsibility to support students in their academic achievement, spiritual development, and personal growth. Mr. Murtagh aims to educate the whole person throughout this year in his class, and finally, he would like the St. Mary of Carmel community to know that he truly cares about each one of its students, hoping to help them excel inside and outside the classroom.

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Hello! My name is Patrick Sullivan, and I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated last year from the University of Dallas with a degree in Theology, but I also took a wide range of Math and Science courses. As someone who has always loved sharing knowledge—especially that of math and science—I am truly excited to have the opportunity to instruct your children in these subjects.

My prayer for this upcoming school year is that I may not only teach all of my students the necessary subject matter for their success, but also cultivate in them a true love for math and science. Throughout all of this, I aim to keep the classroom centered on Christ and His mission and values.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to instruct your children. Please pray for all of SMC’s students, faculty, and staff during this school year.

God bless you.

-Patrick Sullivan

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